Sir Francis Walsingham, MP (c.1530 - 1590), Chancellor of the Order of the Garter, 1578-88...

attributed to Hieronymus Custodis (fl.1589 -1593). Oil painting on panel, Sir Francis Walsingham, MP (c.1530 - 1590), Chancellor of the Order of the Garter, 1578-88 or Sir John Wolley, MP (d. 1596), Chancellor of the Order of the Garter, 1589-96, attributed to Hieronymus Custodis (fl. in England 1589 -d.1593), circa 1585 -1588. Inscribed, top left hand-corner: [F],ILIVS QVEM NVLLA POTEST SATIS VMBRA REFERRE / QVALISCVNQ[VE] TAMEN QVÆRITVR VMBRA MIHI / [U]T QVEM NVILA QVEVNT AD VIVUM VF()RBA REFERRE / QVALICVNQ[VE] MODO SIGNIFICETVR AMO [RIS]I / SCILICET ILLIVS MIHI.GRATIOR.VMBRA, SVB VMBRA / CVIVS AMICITIA GRATIOR IPSE MIHI [The son, whom no shadow/imperfect copy can adequately bring back. Nonetheless, a shadow [of him] of whatever kind is sought for by me, whom not only no words are abel to bring back to life, But also, by whatever love is signified, The shadow of him is evidently dearer to me, Under the shadow of whose friendship [the shadow] itself is dearer to me.] A half-length portrait, turned to the right, looking out, with trimmed black beard, curled moustachios; dressed in black, with goffered white lace collar and cuffs; Garter with rose in centre (the badge of the Chancellor of the Order, before Bishops of Salisbury became ex officio) suspended from three fine gold chains around neck; right hand on a red book on, the left holding a letter. Kingston Lacy Estate, Dorset (Accredited Museum)